Showing posts with label Community Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Events. Show all posts

Monday, August 13, 2012

Dishwashers recalled due to fire hazard

from The Seattle Times Website

More than a million GE dishwashers are being recalled due to fire hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday the voluntary recall includes about 1.3 million GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint dishwashers. The machines' heating elements can fail and cause fires. GE has received seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The dishwashers were sold nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for $350 to $850. They came in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel colors and finishes.

The government said people should stop using the dishwashers and immediately disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker. The government said not to return recalled dishwashers to stores where they were purchased but that GE will provide free repairs or rebates toward new dishwashers.
In a speech Thursday at the National Press Club, CPSC chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum urged people to respond right away.

"My message to consumers is to immediately stop using these recalled dishwashers and disconnect the power supply to the unit," Tenenbaum said.

Tenenbaum credited a new consumer safety law with making people safer. The 2008 law and its implementation have "created one of the strongest product safety systems in the world."

For more information on the dishwasher recall, people can contact GE at (866) 918-8760 or visit GE's website at http://www.geappliances.com/recall.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2018882175_apusdishwasherrecall.html

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Giant sandbags along Green River levees are coming down

Source:  http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/content.aspx?id=21572

KENT, Wash. – June 27, 2012 – After nearly three years, removal of the giant sandbags from the Green River levees will begin in mid July. 

AGR Contracting, Inc. of Monroe, Washington won the contract after submitting the lowest bid of just under $900,000 to remove the nearly 20,000 bags, each weighing one and a half tons.

The bags were placed along 12 miles of Kent’s levees to protect the community after the 2009 announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that severe flooding was possible due to a damaged Howard Hanson Dam embankment.

“Finally we will have our Green River Trail back,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke.  “We all want to see these sandbags removed as fast as possible.  Now that the Dam is operating at full capacity, getting them down is a top priority.  I will be so glad to see Kent stop looking like a war zone.”

According to Kelly Peterson, the city’s manager of the project, the first bags to be removed will be between S. 200th and S. 212th Streets and a portion of the Horseshoe Bend Levee.  “The bags in these areas are being removed first to make way for other levee improvements currently underway.”

“After these areas are cleared, the contractor will remove the remaining bags in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,” Peterson said. 

Peterson said the goal is to have all bags removed by the end of September.  “It may take longer, however, to fully open the Green River Trail if the sandbags caused damage that needs repair, but once the bags are gone, we can make that assessment.”

Since the Corps’ announcement last September that repairs had been completed at the Dam, the city received numerous suggestions from residents about how to use or dispose of the sandbags. 

According to Peterson, the material inside is low grade fill, and is not marketable as premium sand. It isn’t suitable for sanding streets, gardens, sandboxes, or constructing sidewalks and patios.

“Because of the weight of the bags, they can only be loaded into dump trucks with heavy equipment such as an excavator. Using the wrong equipment could damage the thin asphalt trail, or the levees themselves,” Peterson said.  “We also need to be mindful of the location of these bags.  Accidentally breaking or spilling them into the river could violate state and federal laws, causing even more expensive cleanup costs and potential lawsuits for damaging endangered fish habitat.” 

The King County Flood Control Zone District will pay for the project cost through delaying other levee projects along the Green River.

AGR Contracting, Inc. will deliver the fill material to Cedar Grove Composting, who will evaluate the material for its best use in their operations.

Peterson said the Green River Trail will reopen for full use when all the work is completed, though some segments may open sooner.  “While we don’t anticipate any road closures during this project, we ask the community for patience as this work gets underway.  We want to restore the Trail for full use as soon as possible.” 

Contact:
Michelle Wilmot, Community & Public Affairs
253-856-5709
mwilmot@kentwa.gov

Friday, March 30, 2012

Crime Prevention Update from Kent Police

Here are few tips from Kent Police about common crimes they are seeing in the Kent area. Thank you to the City of Kent and Kent Police for this info:

Save Your Honda
This last week we saw another upswing in the trend of stolen Hondas, especially overnight. Vehicle thieves and prowlers look for any opportunity; don't give them one. If you own a Honda, or any car, it is important to do all you can to prevent it from being stolen or prowled. Please follow these prevention tips:
Install and USE a club - clubs can be purchased through the Kent Police Foundation
  • Park in well lit areas
  • If car has an alarm, be sure it works and is on
  • Remove all valuables ALL the time
  • Park close to entrances of stores or apartments
  • If you park outside your garage, be sure to park in drive way and install motion lights or keep outside of house well lit.
For more information visit www.kentpoliceceu.com

Residential Burglaries of Asian Family Homes Continue

This past week there were 4 residential burglaries of homes of Asian families. These have occurred during the daytime and early evening hours. In all cases, windows by the front door or rear sliders were smashed. We have learned that suspects of residential burglaries look for indicators that homes are owned by Asian families. They look for shoes piled outside the front door or Asian yard/home decorations. In some instances, electronic equipment was stolen, but almost always jewelry and cash. One of the first places they go is to the master bedroom. Please pass the word along to your block watches and other residents that would be interested. It is important to remove shoes from the front porch and to keep jewelry and money in a safe or other secure location. Document serial numbers for all electronics and take pictures of jewelry and keep in a secure location.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Board Training Seminar: Mock Board Meeting

by Maria Garcia, Maintenance Coordinator


Our first Board Training Seminar of the year was a great success!! The topic of our training seminar was “Conducting a Successful Board Meeting”.  We had David Batchelder, owner of David’s Roof Service, sponsor our meeting. He graciously provided sandwich fixings, potato salad, macaroni salad and beverages.  Also in attendance was Gil Price, Executive Director, and Jennifer Hill, Attorney, from Condo Law Group.  During our meeting we explained the roles and duties of a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, as well as how to conduct a meeting. With our presentation we conducted a mock board meeting about how to avoid letting a meeting get out of control. Jennifer Hill answered many legal questions for board members on disclosure, executive sessions and financials.  At the end of our presentation we gave away door prizes: two attendees walked away with a copy of the Vickie Gaskill’s book “Community Associations, A Guide to Successful Management” and one lucky winner got away with a $50 gift card to Home Depot.

Thank you to all our board members that attended and we hope to see you at the next one!  We also owe a big thank you to Jennifer Hill, Gil Price and David Batchelder for your participation and contribution!

View more pictures of the event at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150641194573462.400340.92113323461&type=1&__adt=2
 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Reminder: Board Training Event Coming Up!


Join us as Tuesday, March 20th at 6:30pm pm as we discuss the role of board members with a mock board meeting.  Our broker, Vickie Gaskill, will walk you through the process and help you learn to be a more effective association. The best way to limit your liability is through education and training, so sign up today! Anybody is welcome, you do not need to be a client of Bell-Anderson to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Agenda:
Code of Conduct
Job Descriptions of Board Members
Mock Board Meeting

For more information or to RSVP, click here! Or you can e-mail Condo Support at jmccurley@bell-anderson.net.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Temperatures rising: Cleanup underway in Kent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent, Community & Public Affairs
253-856-5709, mwilmot@KentWA.gov

KENT, Wash. – January 20, 2012 – With temperatures rising and rain falling, the city of Kent is shifting its focus to cleanup of downed trees and branches and clearing storm drains to prevent localized flooding.

Kent road crews are still working, and will continue working through the weekend, to clear roads of snow and ice, as well as downed trees and branches. Drivers are cautioned to be very careful as icy road conditions continue to exist within the city.
According to Public Works Director Tim LaPorte, residents are encouraged to clear storm drains of snow and debris to prevent and reduce flooding as the snow continues to melt.

“We’re asking residents and businesses to locate nearby storm drains in the street and — if it’s safe — to clear them of snow and debris. It’s the single most important thing people can do to protect their property and prevent standing water and creating traffic hazards,” LaPorte said.

In Kent, there are over 18,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly.

Crews are also working to remove blocking trees/limbs from roadways.  LaPorte reminded residents the city cannot  address trees or branches on power lines.  “We know Puget Sound Energy is working to the best of their ability to clear these, as well as restore power.”  Roughly 25,000 residents are without electricity.

Residents aren’t alone in dealing with power outages.  LaPorte said a dozen traffic signals are also out.  “A signal without power becomes an all way stop.”

LaPorte also urged residents to be extremely cautious when entering Kent’s parks due to heavily damaged trees and equipment.  “Any areas of parks and trails that are closed or barricaded are done so for safety purposes as we work towards clean-up and/or repair.” 

Residents with trees or branches to dispose of can place them in their green Yard and Food Waste carts.  They must be trimmed to less than 4 feet in length and not exceed 4 inches in diameter. “If you have more than your cart will hold, you may place them in cardboard boxes, paper or compostable bags, or tied in bundles less than 3 ½ feet in any dimension as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 pounds,” LaPorte said.

Residents with more limbs than will fit into Yard and Food Waste carts can save them for the next scheduled collection day, or dispose of them at the following locations, (fees may apply):

• Cedar Grove Composting in Maple Valley, 425-432-2395   
• Rainier Wood Recyclers in Covington, 425-222-0008                        
• Pacific Topsoils in Tukwila 1-800-884-7645

Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste that was not picked up this week will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled pickup day. Missed customers will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge. Learn more at www.AlliedWasteKent.com.

Kent’s Traffic Advisory page is at www.DriveKent.com and includes real-time information on road conditions.
Visit www.KentCommunityCalendar.com for updates on city meetings and events.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Severe Weather Shelter

The City of Kent will be activating the Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) at Kent Lutheran Church the evenings of Sunday January 15th, Monday January 16th, and Tuesday January 17th due to dangerously low temperature predictions and snow.

Kent Lutheran Church
336 2nd Ave South
Kent, WA 98032-5849

9PM - check in and registration
7AM - shelter closes, all must vacate

Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS is also available for unoccompanied women and men; separate sleeping space has been prepared for men, women, and for families with children. The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church and the greater Kent community.
The Kent SWS will be open at 9PM Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. All must register at the door. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of clients, staff and the broader community will apply.

For more information please contact the City of Kent, Housing & Human Services office at 253-856-5070.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

SAVE THE DATE: Board Training Seminar

On March 20th, 2012, we will be hosting another board training seminar at the Kent Senior Center at 6:30pm. The seminar will be a mock board meeting and will discuss the roles and duties of board members. Anyone is welcome to join us! For more information, contact Janice at jmccurley@bell-anderson.net.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Kent Council Approves Sale of City Center property to Goodman Real Estate, Inc.

Unfinished parking garage to be demolished; apartments, retail and public parking planned

Kent, Wash. – September 21, 2011 – Revitalization of Kent’s downtown moved a step closer Tuesday night when the Kent City Council approved a lease/option agreement for its City Center property to Goodman Real Estate Inc. of Seattle.

Goodman, and its architect Studio Meng Strazzara, plan to construct a five story, mixed-use development consisting of approximately 164 urban style apartments with 3,700 square feet of retail space and 35 public parking spaces in addition to the parking set aside for residents.

The existing footprint of the city’s Town Square Plaza park will remain unchanged.

“This is forward progress towards our goal for the area,” said Council President Pro Tem Debbie Ranniger. “I can confidently say the community will be thrilled to see that eyesore removed. I am very hopeful that, with Goodman’s help, we will not only see a beautiful new building in its place, but also new and vibrant activity downtown that will benefit our community overall.”

Goodman Real Estate was selected as the preferred developer of the site following a competitive process and review by panel including Mayor Suzette Cooke, members of the City Council, a representative of the Kent Downtown Partnership and city staff.

“We have waited a long time for resolution on this key property in our downtown,” said Kurt Hanson, Kent’s Economic Development Manager. “The city’s first priority was to find a quality developer who is well capitalized and has a proven track record.”

According to Mike Miller, Kent Downtown Partnership Board member and Senior Vice President of Valley Bank, Goodman is a financially strong and successful developer. “The downtown community will benefit from this new and exciting project.”

Lease/Option Detailed
The two year lease provides Goodman Real Estate an option to purchase the City Center property at any time during the term of the lease. For consideration of the lease, Goodman will demolish the existing parking structure and pay $100,000 to the city. Upon exercising its option to purchase, Goodman will pay the city an additional $802,000 in two installments; the first being approximately $540,000 at closing and the balance, which is contingent upon project success, would be paid at a point after the project is built and fully leased.

Brad Reisinger from Goodman Real Estate explained the two-year lease option to the Council. “We understand demolition of the existing parking garage is a major priority for the city. The lease option structure allows us to take control of the site immediately and complete demolition this fall. Under a more traditional purchase and sale agreement, there would be an extended period until we closed on the real estate, thus delaying the start of demolition until after we had completed design, obtained permits and were ready to start construction.”

No downside for city
“Working with the Goodman team on the City Center project gives us the best opportunity to achieve what was originally envisioned for the redevelopment of the municipal lot block,” said Hanson. “With Town Square Plaza park complete, having an urban, mixed use development next door will strengthen the link between Kent Station and historic downtown. This much needed residential development will enliven the area and provide our downtown merchants with regular customers that don’t exist today.”

“Having the abandoned, partially built garage stand as an eyesore for so long has been tough for our local businesses and an impediment to recruiting new investment downtown. With this deal we are guaranteed that this eyesore will be removed quickly,” Hanson said.

Originally slated to be a 355-stall parking garage for a hotel, condominiums and retail space, work on the project stopped in May 2007 when the prior developer’s lender terminated the construction loan. After which, the property had been entangled in legal battles.

The city regained control of the property through foreclosure last October.

Further details about the site and proposed project can be found at www.KentCityCenter.com or by calling 253-856-5706.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Find it in Kent Expo

Bell-Anderson will be hosting a booth at the "Find it in Kent Expo" on September 28th from 3-7pm. Admission is free to the public and there will also be a "Taste of Kent" event from 5-7pm. Be sure to stop by and say hi! You can find more information on the event by clicking here.

Monday, August 1, 2011

National Night Out

National Night Out is tomorrow night, August 2nd! We are looking forward to visiting with Maple Woods in Maple Lane. If you are hosting an event in your community, we would love it if you shared your photos! You can e-mail them to us at info@bell-anderson.net. Have fun!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Kent Cornucopia Days 2011

Here is a schedule of events happening this weekend at Kent's Cornucopia Festival:

July 7-10 Funtastic Shows Carnival
July 7-10 Cornucopia Cup Soccer Tournament
July 8-10 Street Fair (Kent Lions / Wayne Hobbs & Irv Hamilton Street Fair)
July 8-10 Lions Health Fair, Safety Fair, Educational Displays, Art Show, Entertainment
July 9 Kent Cornucopia Dragon Boat Races
July 9 Kent Cornucopia 5K Fun Run / Walk
July 9 Cornucopia Inline Skate & Skateboard Tournament
July 9 Jaguar Football "Cornucopia Bowl VI" - CNX for 2011
July 10 Kent Cornucopia Grand Parade
July 10 Children's Bike Ride

Here is a link for the event site for more information: http://www.kcdays.com/


Letter from the Mayor of Kent & the Kent Cornucopia Days Director

It is our pleasure to welcome you to Kent and the 39th annual Kent Cornucopia Day's celebration held July 8 -11 with a multitude of activities, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.

South King County’s oldest and largest festival features a full size carnival and street fair with a wonderful array of 600 booths offering a variety of items, including magnificent smells from over 35 food booths to tempt the palate, and entertainment to capture your attention. Join us Sunday, July 11 downtown for South King County’s largest parade – nearly 100 entries. With such a delightful assortment of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The beautiful 10th annual "Cornucopia Dragon Boat Races" will be held on July 10 at Lake Meridian Park. The Kent Youth Soccer Association will also host the "Cornucopia Cup" and will have over 150 teams this year! The 14th annual Kent Cornucopia Days Skateboard Tournament will be held on July 10th benefiting the Lions “Camp Leo” for diabetic kids. And new this year is a 25 & 60 mile Bike Ride on July 10th along with a Kids Pre-Parade Bike Ride on July 11th by the Emerald City Lights Bike Ride Organization.

The Kent Lions produces Kent Cornucopia Days each year. Members and their dedicated volunteers have devoted thousands of hours to planning and organizing this festival. They work hard to produce a successful event that appeals to all ages, groups and interests. The City’s Parks Department will again be actively involved organizing the 5K Fun Run / Walk. We hope you will join us in acknowledging all the work they do to bring such a successful occasion to Kent year after year.

We are happy to have you join us in celebrating Kent Cornucopia Days. The volunteers thank you for supporting over 250 non-profit and charitable groups who depend on this great family festival. Come back to Kent and enjoy our community and local businesses long after Kent Cornucopia Days are over. Enjoy the summer!

Suzette Cooke
Mayor City of Kent

Bill Westcott
Volunteer Festival Director, Kent Cornucopia Days
Kent Lions & Foundation

Thursday, June 23, 2011

City of Auburn - Free Meals This Summer for Youth

Hello Community Partners,

This message comes to you from the City of Auburn Community Services Division in efforts to assist Auburn youth this summer. Do you know a young person (a neighbor, a friend or client) who could use a hand getting a free breakfast or lunch during the summer months? We’re asking for your assistance in getting the word out.

Attached is a schedule in both English and Spanish of locations and times these meals will be offered. Meals are provided to youth ages 1-18 at no charge through the USDA in partnership with the Auburn School District.

The Auburn School District’s Summer Lunch Program has been posted to the City’s website with the full schedule and also has links to the English and Spanish flyers.

http://www.auburnwa.gov/government/news/2011news/Auburn_School_District_Free_Summer_Lunch_Program_Schedule_Announced.asp

We appreciate your support and partnership. Have a fun safe summer.

Thank you,

Duanna Richards
Neighborhood Programs Manager
City of Auburn
25 West Main Street
Auburn WA 98001-4998
(253) 931-3099 = phone
(253) 288-3132 = fax

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Go Mt. Rainier 11-U All-Stars!

Bell-Anderson is a proud sponsor of the Mt. Rainier 11-U All-Star baseball team!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Kent Special Recycling Event

When: June 11, 2011, 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: Kent Phoenix Academy Parking Lot, 11000 SE 264th, Kent

Bring items you can't easily recycle at the curb, including bulky yard debris, concrete, rock and brick, appliances, reusable household goods, confidential material to shred, and limited electronics (no TVs, computers, monitors, laptops-take these to the Goodwill Store on 102nd for FREE recycling any time).

Also at this event, purchase a Composter or Rainbarrel, while supplies last. These units have been so popular in the past and demand for them so great, that we’ve decided to offer them again. Make your own compost to enrich garden soils and catch rainwater to water your plants – and save $ too!

For more information or to download the flyer, visit: http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/recycling/

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Relay for Life

Ken Allen, Community Association Manager, is at the top of the brochure for this year's Relay for Life at Renton Memorial Stadium! The relay is taking place this weekend (June 10th and 11th) from noon on Friday to 6pm on Saturday. The public is invited to come cheer the walkers on, and cancer survivors are encouraged to take the initial lap on Friday. Good luck Ken and Irene!

Another Successful Board Training Event

If you weren’t able to make our training seminar last night, you really missed out! It was sponsored by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Renton and the Speakers were Kent and Keith with CBI Consulting.

We learned about the importance of getting very specific bid specifications, the necessity for proper inspections and maintenance plans. Who knew that a five dollar price difference on a gallon of paint could affect the life of the painting for more than 5 years?! We, as property managers, are here to guide our boards and give them the best of the best in terms of vendors. These guys are the best! They have been in business for over 30 years, are certified on all levels, use the most up to date equipment, and know what they are doing. If you have any questions or would like more information about the presentation, please contact your property manager.

Also, thank you to Jennifer with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Renton for providing such great refreshments! Mr. Rooter is also one of our preferred vendors and they don’t charge extra for after-hours emergencies.

Thank you to all the board members who were able to make it to our seminar. We appreciate your involvement.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Reminder: Sign up now for the board training event!

Bell-Anderson and Associates, LLC®, AMO® Presents:

“CBI CONSULTING & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT”

Tuesday, June 7, 2011
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Kent Senior Center
600 E. Smith St in Kent

This informational seminar will be very beneficial for your association. CBI is a leading expert in the operational maintenance and repair of building structures. Topics that will be covered include, What to look for and how to conduct site inspections, Preventative Maintenance Plans, the power in having current up-to-date Reserve Studies, and Assistance in writing a Scope of Work in preparation for bidding and then learning how to evaluate bids when they come in.

Snacks and beverages will be provided.

As always, it is our intent to have your most important questions and concerns addressed at this seminar.

Due to limited seating, please R.S.V.P. to your Property Manager by:
Friday, June 3, 2011.

See you there!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Free Sounders Game?

There will be a free Sounders Reserve League game at the Starfire sports complex in Tukwila this Sunday. You can find more information here:

http://www.soundersfc.com/Matchday/Reserve-Schedule.aspx

Maintenance Coordinator Maria Garcia's stepson Lamar Neagle will be playing in the game. Go Sounders!